Manchester United are monitoring the performances of Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Lars Bender. The 23-year-old has broken into the Germany side over the past year with a series of strong performances for Leverkusen.

QPR are interested in signing Real Madrid defender Ricardo Carvalho, in January. The 34-year-old centre-back has been told his contract will not be renewed when it expires at the end of the season and could be tempted with a move back to the Premier League.

Leeds manager Neil Warnock says he is "disgusted" by what he perceives as Chelsea's attempts to "kill" referee Mark Clattenburg. The Football Association and police are investigation an allegation by Chelsea that Clattenburg used racial language towards two of their players. "I'm sure he might have said a few things, but if Chelsea had won that game, there would not have been an iota of complaint," said Warnock.

Chelsea will publish a message in the programme for tonight's League Cup meeting with Manchester United in which fans will be reminded of their responsibilities. A steward was admitted to hospital and a series of objects were thrown on to the pitch during Sunday's league game between the teams.

OTHER GOSSIP

Jamaica are hoping to convince Liverpool youngster Raheem Sterling, 17, that he should commit his international future to them rather than England, after the youngster's impressive form so far this season at Anfield.